Bob Dole: “on June 2, 1986, the Senate opened its doors to the American people through television cameras, a giant leap in…”

“on June 2, 1986, the Senate opened its doors to the American people through television cameras, a giant leap in increasing the access of Americans to their Government. However, in some areas, the Senate needs to take further steps to enter the 20th century when it comes to opening our proceedings to the public. The American people sent a lot of messages to Congress on November 8, but certainly one was that they expect us to deliver on our promises. We heard that message loud and clear, and we expect the people to hold us accountable. As our employers, the American people have every right to observe their Government in action, and we have a responsibility to ensure that public access. Today, along with my friend from South Dakota, Senator Daschle, I am introducing two resolutions to increase public access to the proceedings of Congress. The first is a Senate resolution which would permit the electronic media to cover the majority leader's and minority leader's so-called dugout briefings. These briefings, which have traditionally been open only to reporters with notepads, have been held on the Senate floor for a few minutes prior to the day's session. Senate rules currently do not permit broadcasting of the Senate floor while the Senate is not in session, but this resolution would allow it for these sessions. The second resolutions is a concurrent resolution which would permit coverage by television cameras of all open House-Senate conference committee meetings.”